The time has come! Your beloved momma dog is ready to give birth to her puppies. So what can you do to help a whelping dog? This article will provide all the essential do’s and don’ts for the whelping process, a suggested supplies list, and some top tips for a stress-free birth. You’ve got this!
But first off, what does the term “whelping” actually mean? No, it’s not a meme-worthy look of resignation (that’s ‘welp’). The true whelping definition is the official name for the birthing of puppies to canine mammals, such as wolves, bears... and your dog too!
The whelping of puppies is a natural process that most dog owners are understandably both excited and nervous about. It's an incredibly special time for you, your family, and your dog. This guide will provide you with all the information you need on how to care for your pregnant dog during her whelping process, and welcome those little pups into the world in style. So let’s begin by saying…
Don’t Get Caught Out…
You know in the movies where the family is always in the worst possible place for the mother’s waters to break? And they drive to the hospital screaming? Yeah, you don’t want that.
Instead, make sure you’ve got your supplies ready in advance:
- Whelping Box – You can find specially made whelping boxes online, or you can even build your own from a large cardboard box. Many owners ask if they can use a dog crate as a whelping box - the answer is yes, if your dog is already crate trained. This way, they may find security in using this as their whelping box too. Make sure your box or crate is in a quiet space, that’s warm and large enough for movement and lots of little puppies!
- Bedding & Lining - You’ll want to line the box with clean absorbent bedding or makeshift whelping pads. This is where a Potty Buddy comes in really handy, as its super fluffy exterior helps make a cozy den, but its powers of super absorption mean you can contain any excess mess. Plus, you can wash them and dry them as often as you need; the ideal way to keep a whelping box clean for mum and pups.
- Heat Lamps & Cooling Fans – Newborn puppies struggle to regulate their body temperature. So if you’re in the dead of winter or the height of summer, it’s a wise idea to invest in some portable heaters or air conditioning for them.
- Lamps Or Lights - Trying to help your dog at 3 am in the pitch black is never ideal! So keep a lamp or flashlight close to your whelping box.
- Antibacterial Hand Wipes – To help keep you and the area clean and hygienic.
- Vet Details - Have your veterinary clinic phone number on standby, speed dial, or both. Remember you’ll need the daytime and out-of-hours telephone numbers, in case you need any help or advice at peculiar times.
Do Know The Signs...
Pregnancy in dogs usually lasts around 63 days, so you’ll already have a due date in mind, but this can vary just like us humans. Instead, it’s usually more accurate to follow the clues.
Common signs that a dog is ready to give birth include:
- Restlessness or pacing
- Hiding away and nesting behaviors like digging
- A loss of appetite or vomiting (contact your vet if this concerns you)
- Passing a small amount of red/brown mucus
This preparation stage and these behaviors can often last between 12-36 hours before the birth.
Some owners use temperature as a gauge. If the momma’s temperature drops to 98-99 degrees, you can get ready for puppies within around 24 hours.
Once strong contractions and straining begin, your puppies are definitely on their way!
Do Keep Watch…
Whelping is a natural process, and it’s important not to intervene unless there seems to be something wrong that needs assistance from a vet.
As a general rule, the first puppy often takes the longest time to emerge. This first birth can take anywhere between 20 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the strength of your dog’s contractions. There should then be a little gap between each little furball after that, usually between 30 and 90 minutes each.
After each puppy, your dog should help release them from their little birth sacs so they can breathe, and she will pass an afterbirth or some fluids, which she may well eat. Don’t worry about this - it’s providing momma with lots of nutrients for her pups.
Do Keep Watch…
Whelping is a natural process, and it’s important not to intervene unless there seems to be something wrong that needs assistance from a vet.
As a general rule, the first puppy often takes the longest time to emerge. This first birth can take anywhere between 20 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the strength of your dog’s contractions. There should then be a little gap between each little furball after that, usually between 30 and 90 minutes each.
After each puppy, your dog should help release them from their little birth sacs so they can breathe, and she will pass an afterbirth or some fluids, which she may well eat. Don’t worry about this - it’s providing momma with lots of nutrients for her pups.
However, things to look out for include:
Your dog is straining excessively for over 30 minutes, with no sign of pups.
Ideally, mom shouldn’t eat more than 3 placentas, as this may upset her stomach.
If not all placentas are passed, it’s possible for an infection to develop.
Between each puppy, your dog should seem comfortable, settled, and be licking her newborns. If she seems overly distressed or exhausted then something may be wrong.
A lot of blood isn’t usually seen at dog births, so excessive amounts will warrant concern.
If a puppy seems stuck, do not attempt to pull it out, instead seek advice from your vet.
Thick green discharge, without a puppy present, is also cause for concern.
If you see any of the above, it’s worth contacting your vet as soon as you can.
Otherwise, all you need to do is make sure that your mother is comfortable and knows she is safe. A little stroke of encouragement always helps!
Do Offer A Helping Hand...
Sometimes, it’s useful to help with clearing airways. Some owners like to use disposable gloves and a soft disposable cloth to quickly dry each puppy, make sure they are breathing, then let their dog do the rest.
Don’t Worry Excessively…
As is often the case, your dog may well deliver her pups in the dead of night without any assistance. Whelping puppies is a natural process and most dog mums are perfectly capable of handling the entire whelping process on their own. But it doesn’t hurt to check on your dog in the night if you can and to be prepared with all of your whelping supplies well in advance.
Don’t Worry Excessively…
As is often the case, your dog may well deliver her pups in the dead of night without any assistance. Whelping puppies is a natural process and most dog mums are perfectly capable of handling the entire whelping process on their own. But it doesn’t hurt to check on your dog in the night if you can and to be prepared with all of your whelping supplies well in advance.
Time to order that Potty Buddy, we reckon...
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FAQs
How long should puppies stay in whelping box? ›
They should be trying to climb out of their nest or whelping box by three weeks. By four weeks, the puppies should be able to walk, run, and play.
Should you put a dog bed in a whelping box? ›Make sure your box or crate is in a quiet space, that's warm and large enough for movement and lots of little puppies! Bedding & Lining - You'll want to line the box with clean absorbent bedding or makeshift whelping pads.
How can I help my dog push her puppies out? ›Step 1: Grasp the puppy with a clean towel. Step 2: Applying steady traction, gently pull the puppy at a slight downward angle. Continue pulling gently and steadily until the pup is delivered.
How do I know if my dog still has puppies inside her? ›The best way to determine if a dog still has puppies inside her is to x-ray her abdomen. Sometimes, it is possible to palpate and feel the presence of pups, but occasionally a pup may be within the birth canal and be missed using this method.
When can mom dog sleep away from puppies? ›Puppies should not leave their mom and littermates before eight weeks of age. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together.
How long should puppies be under heat lamp? ›The temperature under the heat lamp in the whelping box should be around 85°F for the first 2-3 days, and then can be dropped to 75-80°F depending on the surrounding temperature. A temperature of 70-75°F on the far side of the box is fine.
How do I stop my dog from squishing her puppies? ›Not all have the instinct to nose the puppies to the center of the whelping box for safety. Smothering, crushing, and laying down on the puppies can be prevented by installing railings that help prevent the dog from accidentally lying on a puppy that may have slipped behind her.
Why does my dog keep squishing her puppies? ›Accidental Harming
Some female dogs will accidentally harm their puppies because they are either lazy or careless. Large breed dogs will sometimes lie on puppies, smothering or crushing them.
When your dog first goes into labor, the best thing you can do is keep your distance while quietly observing her. It may surprise you to learn that dogs don't typically need much help giving birth. In fact, it can be quite fascinating to watch a dog's instincts take over as they whelp and nurse their young.
How warm does a whelping box need to be? ›The whelping box should have a consistent temperature around 85 degrees, as puppies are not able to generate their own body heat until they are 2 ½ weeks of age. “Excessively high temperatures and high humidity can cause respiratory difficulties and dehydration in puppies.
How many placentas does a dog have? ›
Each puppy should have one placenta, so it is important to count the number of placentas to ensure none of them stay inside.
Is a heat lamp or heat pad better for puppies? ›The uniform heating, reduced risk of dehydration, and the temperature-adjustment ability are just a few of the reasons that a heating pad is a better option for your puppies and the winner of the 'pad vs. lamp' debate.
What should be in a dog whelping box? ›A whelping box. An absorbent material for the whelping box, such as newspapers (but these may become sodden quickly and often stay wet and cold), puppy pads, incontinence pads or vetbeds. Clean towels or paper towels to help clean up during labour. Towels for drying and cleaning up the puppies.
What are bad signs after a dog gives birth? ›A few days after your dog has given birth
She has a fever, is unwell with a loss of appetite, is listless or lacks interest in the puppies. Any of these could indicate an infection within her uterus. Her mammary glands are red, firm and painful, or discharge from her nipples is smelly, brown or bloody.
It's an instinctive thing, an evolutionary trait that surfaces from time to time. They'll eat a puppy when they see it as waste material. A dead puppy, or a sick one, will – in their perception - make the rest of the litter sick and / or weaken the chances of the group's survival.
Why does mom dog put puppies head in her mouth? ›Canine mothers muzzle grab their puppies (sometimes accompanied by a growl) to deter them from suckling during weaning. Cubs and pups also muzzle grab one another during play, typically between six and nine weeks of age.
How often should I check on newborn puppies? ›It is recommended, particularly with a first-time mother, to check the puppies every few hours to make sure they are all suckling and are warm and content.
Why does my dog let me touch her newborn puppies? ›It is their way of showing how comfortable they feel around you and how much trust goes into your relationship. It could also be that the momma is extremely proud of her puppies and she simply wants to show them off.
What to do with newborn puppies at night? ›A small box with blankets and a heating lamp is ideal. Keep the lamp at a fair distance so the environment does not overheat. A heating pad and blankets can also work, just make sure the heating pad is well-covered to prevent burns.
Should I cut the umbilical cord of a puppy? ›Once the puppy has been born, clear the membranes and then cut the umbilical cord. If the afterbirth is still inside the mother, do not worry.
Should I put a heating pad in with newborn puppies? ›
A whelping heating pad is crucial to have on hand next to and in the whelping box. While you clean the whelping box after the birthing process, you are going to need to place the new puppies onto a safe heating pad so they stay warm. The whelping box must also be warm to prevent illness.
Should whelping box be dark? ›Whelping Area:
Place the box in a dark, quiet area of the house. This can be a basement, a closet, or a spare bedroom with the shades drawn. Allow the mother to freely come and go from her whelping area. Keep other dogs away from her whelping area so that she knows it is her place to deliver.
Gather your supplies
Choose a plastic kiddie pool that is round rather than scalloped like a sea shell. A pool that is 3′ in diameter will work well for a mini sized dog. The 3′ pool will also suffice for a dog who is on the smaller end of the medium size range as well.
Wet down a clean face cloth or hand towel with warm water. Do not apply soap, which can cling to mom's fur and get on her puppies when they nurse. Wipe momma dog down, rinsing and wringing out cloth repeatedly to clean soiled areas. Gently clean around the nipples and the back end to remove afterbirth and blood.
What helps momma dog produce milk? ›Milk thistle is one natural supplement known to help nursing mothers with their milk-making. Other dogs benefit from taking zinc while providing for their pups. In small doses, apricot can also increase milk production. Whatever you decide, it's always best to run it by your vet before you begin supplementing.
How should a mother dog act after birth? ›Her newborn pups can also trigger strong maternal instincts in your dog. Your once calm and well-socialized dog can become possessive (or aggressive) to whoever goes near her litter. She may also become overprotective and will try to hide her pups from people or other pets at home she may see as a threat.
Does the placenta come out with the last puppy? ›LABOR STAGE III
This is the time when the placenta, after birth, is delivered and usually occurs 5 to 15 minutes after delivery of the puppy. If multiple puppies are born rapidly, several placentas may be expelled together.
a. ONSET OF LABOR: Within 6 to 24 hours of the onset of labor, the mother will become extremely nervous and restless (whining, crying, panting, shivering, wants in and out, refuses food, etc.). This is normal.
Does the last puppy have the placenta? ›The placenta is the organ that connects the developing puppies to the mother during her pregnancy. Generally, this is expelled shortly after the pup during the third stage of the birthing process.
When can I move my puppy from the whelping box to the crate? ›By 8 weeks of age a puppy should be able to go in a crate alone for a nap, and it is almost ready for its new home. A puppy should never be taken away from it's mother before 7-8 weeks of age.
When can you remove pig rails from whelping box? ›
During this critical period, the pups are monitored around the clock. The whelping box has pig rails (to prevent pups from being suffocated by their mother) that are removed after two weeks and replaced with a small potty area.
How often do you change the bedding in a whelping box? ›At 2.5 weeks, open the whelping box and add an area two times the size and cover with newspaper…. Change the bedding in the box several times per day, but do not change the paper often (keep it smelling like a toilet and keep the bed smelling like a fresh bed…)
How long is too long between whelping puppies? ›Typically, there should not be more than 1-2 hours between puppies although great variation exists. The delivery of an entire litter of puppies can take between 1 and 24 hours.
What is the most critical time for newborn puppies? ›“The neonatal period from birth to 3 days of age is a critical stage for puppies,” cautions Dr. Smith. “Intervention in the first 72 hours should be used judiciously. Experience can help tell you when to intervene.
How do I keep my puppy warm in a whelping box? ›- Heating pad. Manufacturers of heating pads made for people do not recommend them being used on animals. ...
- Hot water bottle. ...
- Heat lamps will warm him up, but they can be dehydrating and hard to regulate. ...
- In an emergency you can fill a heavy sock with ½ cup uncooked rice.
If you have built your own whelping box, you may have used wood or cardboard for the bottom. These materials are not easy to keep clean. As such, it is a good idea to line the bottom of your box with vinyl flooring. This can be purchased at any home improvement store, and is self-adhesive.
What should a whelping box be lined with? ›A good option for lining the whelping box for newborns are lambskin crate pads. These are artificial lamb-like fur pads that come in various sizes and are easily found in most dog catalogs. These pads absorb liquids to keep puppies from laying in wetness, and are easily cleaned in a clothes washer.
What are the bars for in a whelping box? ›Most boxes will include a low railing (termed rails, pig rails, or roll-bars) fixed to the inside perimeter of the box. This is to protect puppies from being crushed or smothered by the mother should she roll over during birthing or while asleep.
What is the best thing to put in the bottom of a whelping box? ›An absorbent material for the whelping box, such as newspapers (but these may become sodden quickly and often stay wet and cold), puppy pads, incontinence pads or vetbeds. Clean towels or paper towels to help clean up during labour.
Should I put a heating pad in the whelping box? ›A whelping heating pad is crucial to have on hand next to and in the whelping box. While you clean the whelping box after the birthing process, you are going to need to place the new puppies onto a safe heating pad so they stay warm. The whelping box must also be warm to prevent illness.
What color is a dog's water breaking? ›
Your dog's waters may break, which will be seen as clear fluid. In normal labour, your dog may show weak and infrequent straining for up to 2 hours (or at the most 4 hours) before giving birth to her first puppy.